Any information on how well the hobie outfitter functions as a 1 person kayak? I am planning on buying a hobie kayak with a mirage drive but I am struggling with the decision between an outback or a tandom outfitter. I would like to use it by myself but also want the family to enjoy with me. I need to be able to handle this kayak by myself (50 something woman) and want to be able to fish from it or just get a good workout while I enjoy the lake. On the other hand I want to be able to go out with my family and so the tandom is an attractive idea. I just don't want to be disappointed when I try to use it solo. Will a little counterbalance weight (ice chest?) be enough to keep the balance correct?

Lots of posts on these forums about soloing the Oasis tandem - the basic technique is to use some sort of ballast (sandbag/waterbag/lead or WHY) - do a search and you should find enough to go on.

As to handling the boat on your own - this should be manageable on the water. The new Oasis has steering in both cockpits; dunno about the Outfitter but it probably has too - this is a huge advantage over the tandems with just single rear cockpit steering because you can choose where to sit when soloing and for the littlies they are much more engaged and happy if they can go in the rear seat (where they cop for less spray) and can steer the boat while M or D in the front provides the motive power... and steering override.

On land a lot can be achieved by just lifting one end at a time:

So, as long as you have a car or roof racks which allow you to raise one end onto the roof and then lift the other end to slide it onto the car you should be OK loading/unloading it. I use rubber cradles which grip the boat - to slide it into place I cover the rear cradles (and the back of the car to prevent scratching it) with a thick rug; it is then easy enough to slide it into the right place.

A cart which stands up independently is also a huge help when it comes to loading the yak onto wheels to pull it down to the water - especially if loaded with gear. IMHO the hobie plug in cart is not a good idea if you are soloing and you are not strong enough to lift the back of the kayak up with one hand and slip the cart into the scupper holes - sure you can tilt the kayak to insert the cart and this works fine on soft surfaces, but you might not be so happy rolling your boat over on tarmac/concrete. I use a C-tug which is plastic & comes apart for stowage in seconds.

As to choice of boat - my preference would be the Oasis over the Outfitter. I am quite tall and though not overweight found that the Outfitter did not really have enough ballast to support me and my better 3/4; it would be fine for smaller people though. Also I have size 10-11 feet & found that the floor configuration in the rear cockpit of the Outfitter was such that every time my foot pushed forwards my heel hit the deck which made pedalling less comfortable than it should have been - smaller feet, on the other hand, should have no problem. The other consideration is storage length, the Oasis being longer - I have plenty of space and do not need to go for a short boat like the Outfitter others may not have the space. So your choice is a case of 'horses for courses' - I recommend you compare and contrast the boats mindful of these factors and if possible have a go on both before you hand over your money.

The tandem works fine as a solo, but the Outfitter makes a much better solo boat.

If the bulk of your kayaking is solo, I'd strongly lean toward a solo boat, and rent or borrow when a friend comes over. Also, find friend that have kayaks <g>....

Another thought, while tandem is nice, a lot of folks prefer their own freedom in a single place boat.

I've got a ton of kayaking friends (have 7 kayaks in my yard), and only two of us like the tandem route.

As for soloing the tandem, ballast works well, however not necessary unless there's a fair amount of wind. I've done it both ways, many times. Only issue is high winds. And living with less maneuverability.

I bought an Outfitter originally to take the kids out and to use it solo. The novelty wore off and I ended up using it by myself. I'm 200lbs and I found that I ended up getting wet too often due to stern sitting so low. The father-in-law bought an Oasis, and in my option, a much better tandem kayak. It sits higher in the water.

I replaced my Outfitter with an Outback, and was much happier. I agree with Seevee, rent a second yak if you have company. The Outback will also be much easier to manage when car topping compared to a tandem.

The Outback and Outfitter are both much older hull designs than the Oasis.

If you're considering a tandem kayak, the Oasis is the better boat. I don't mind soloing it. It's not as good as my old Adventure used to be, but it's probably not far off an Outback. I solo from the front, that seems to work the best. I would also suggest turbo fins on at least one set of Mirage Drives if you'll be soloing often.

islandspeed2001 wrote:

Down here we call tandem kayaks Divorce kayaks

That's true of regular tandem kayaks where both users need to be in sync all the time. The Mirage Drive takes all of the co-ordination required of a regular tandem and throws it out the window. My wife and I love the Oasis because we pedal at completely different cadences, and it makes no difference at all. If you and your pedalling partner can agree on where to go, you'll be perfectly happy in an Oasis! They're the ANTI divorce tandems!

Thanks for all the great responses! I bought a 2013 Oasis and cannot wait for it to arrive! We have a lot of family that will enjoy using it and so decided to start out with a tandem and the Oasis seemed like the best choice. I told my husband that if I couldn't solo well with the Oasis, I would go back and get an Outback or a Sport! He just smiled and nodded!

I am enjoying the forum but just cannot wait to get into the water. Had a couple days of 70 to 80 degree weather last week and down to the 20s this weekend. Soon tho!

Thanks again.

Last edited by Shelly on Tue Mar 19, 2013 1:55 am, edited 1 time in total.

Thanks for all the great responses! I bought a 2013 Oasis and cannot wait for it to arrive! We have a lot of family that will enjoy using it and so decided to start out with a tandem and the Oasis seemed like the best choice. I told my husband that if I couldn't solo well with the Oasis, I would go back and get an Outback or a Sport! He just smiled and nodded!

I am enjoying the forum but just cannot wait to get into the water. Had a couple days of 70 to 80 degree weather last week and down to the 20s this weekend. Soon tho!

Thanks again.

Shelly,

Congrats, you can't go too far wrong with the Oasis. Now, I'm sure you'll take your hubby with some times. There's nothing better than kayaking with the spouse.

I've been avidly doing that for some 13 years, and we spend more time doing that than anything else (well, almost....) Day, night, hot, cold. It's a GREAT hubby and wife activity... not close to a divorce thing, don't believe them.

Way to go with the sail Motobob! I just love sailing my kayaks. With the Oasis you have so many options to improve your sailing experience: consider staying the mast, adding a jib and/or buying another Hobie sail & creating a schooner!

Stobbo is on the money here. Nothing can put a damper on a good outing with our Oasis than trying to detach the Hobie plug in cart before or after your trip with a load in the yak.

“A cart which stands up independently is also a huge help when it comes to loading the yak onto wheels to pull it down to the water - especially if loaded with gear. IMHO the hobie plug in cart is not a good idea if you are soloing and you are not strong enough to lift the back of the kayak up with one hand and slip the cart into the scupper holes - sure you can tilt the kayak to insert the cart and this works fine on soft surfaces, but you might not be so happy rolling your boat over on tarmac/concrete. I use a C-tug which is plastic & comes apart for stowage in seconds.”

The video link below shows the many ways to use a C-Tug. This video shows the C-Tug with the air pressure tires. They are worthless. Buy the hard tire version.